Month: April 2017

I’ve been reading in the Bible a lot lately about being a Light in the world, and my thoughts have sifted to 9 years ago.

Nine years ago I went to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky (I highly recommend going if you’ve never been there). It’s this huge cave system which you can explore (of course, there’s a path and stairs you need to stay on so you don’t get lost) with a group.

Just for giggles… me at Mammoth Cave in 2008

Well, one of the places in the cave was this huge room that had seats (large boulders) that about 50 of us were on. The ranger asked everyone to put lights and phones away. Once everyone had done that, the ranger turned out the lights and the cave was pitch black. You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face.

Just then, the ranger lit one little lighter and you know what happened? That one little flame light up this whole room, and I’m not talking about some little bedroom or living room in a house, but a huge cave! Just one little flame!!

And you know what, that’s all we need to be a light in this world.

Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

You are a light of the world! You really can change the world with one little flame. All you have to do is light it…

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” -Jesus (John 12:46)

“Jesus began at the level of commitment of each person he met. Often he would simply capture their interest and create a desire to know more.”

You don’t need to use big fancy words, or even be a know-it-all when it comes to sharing the Gospel. What you need to do is capture people’s interest and then create a desire for them to want to know more.

This reminds me of what Paul says about planting the seeds and Apollos watering the seeds, and then God makes it grow. It’s our job to capture people’s interest and create the desire, while God makes it grow in their hearts!

Here’s the second thing Rick said:

“Jesus took into account that people have different cultural backgrounds, understanding, and levels of spiritual commitment. He knew that it doesn’t work to use the same approach with all people.”

I love this. What works on one person may not work on another person. You’re not going to talk to a believer the same way you’re going to talk to an atheist. Likewise, you’re not going to talk to an atheist the same way you’re going to talk to a seeker. Right?

So remember… capture someone’s attention, create desire for them to want to know more, and don’t use the same approach on everyone!